The West's Pathetic Response to Israeli Massacre

By Ben Cohen

The United States has remained completely silent on Israel's massacre of over 200 Palestinians, while Gordon Brown has asked Israel to 'Show restraint'.

The Bush Administration spoke only to condemn Hamas. Condoleezza Rice stated:

“The United States strongly condemns the repeated rocket and mortar attacks against Israel and holds Hamas responsible for breaking the cease-fire and for the renewal of violence in Gaza. The cease-fire should be restored immediately.”

The massive assault was in response to repeated rocket attacks from Gaza militants that have done little actual damage to Israelis, but have irritated Israel into responding. The response, as usual, has been completely disproportionate, illegal, and counterproductive.

The Hamas militants are technically responsible for starting the latest round of violence, but given the brutal occupation and economic strangulation of their territory, it is not difficult to sympathize. Unless the international community, led by the United States, actively engages in the area and keeps Israel on a leash, then the situation gets closer and closer to the abyss. It doesn't help that the U.S and U.K won't acknowledge Palestinian suffering, and insist on viewing the crisis through Israeli eyes.